Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
The Chinese marriage office may require you to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI) which is a certificate in both English and Chinese, obtainable from the Australian Embassy in Beijing or Consulate-General in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu. Providing this certificate entails a fee so it is best to confirm first with the local marriage office if it is required.
If you require a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI), we suggest that you bring following materials to the Embassy or Consulate.
•The original completed CNI application form. (See attachment)
•Your current Australian passport.
•Your partner’s Chinese ID/Citizen Card or Passport
•An up to date Certificate of Single Status (Otherwise called 'Statement of No Record'). This is obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Australia (If just turned 18 you are exempt from this).
•Divorce certificate if has previously been married
•Death certificate, if your previous partner is deceased
•The application fee: the cost includes the CNI letter fee and an additional signature witnessing fee if you require an Embassy or Consulate consular officer to witness your signature on the application form. Fees are payable in Chinese RMB only, and these fees can vary according to the current exchange rate.
If you apply in person, the Certificate can normally be issued on the same day as lodgement.